Frederick County’s Windsor Knolls Middle School is one of only six schools in Maryland named a National PTA School of Excellence. Receiving this distinction signifies that parents, students, staff and community members work together to uphold the highest standards in parent involvement and achieve the common goal of building an inclusive and welcoming school community to help all students succeed.
Principal Brian Vasquenza joined the school’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) president, Whitney Cummins, and the school community at a “Banner Reveal” celebration at the school on Tuesday, October 22 at 10 a.m. They placed their recognition banner in the main lobby of the school on behalf of parents, students and staff.
The process to achieve certification as a National PTA School of Excellence involves a diverse team of parents, teachers and community members. Notable parent-involvement activities at Windsor Knolls Middle include identifying and sponsoring community, cultural and enrichment activities, exceeding the state standard for volunteer hours, and sponsoring parent information nights and workshops that connect families with the school and foster student achievement.
“I commend the entire Windsor Knolls Middle School community for achieving an outstanding standard of excellence in involving families in the important mission of ensuring an excellent education for all students,” said FCPS Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban. “We know that school-family partnerships are essential in helping all students succeed.”
In addition to students seated in the front row and holding both sides of the banner, left to right are: Windsor Knolls MS PTA President Whitney Cummins, past PTA President Ed Charles, past PTA Executive Board member Sarah Charles, past PTA President Rachel Johnson, current PTA Executive Board member Liz Magers, BOE members Karen Yoho and Jay Mason (seated), Principal Brian Vasquenza, past PTA Executive Board member Michelle Jaeb (holding certificate), Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mike Markoe, BOE Vice In addition to students seated in the front row and holding both sides of the banner, left to right are: Windsor Knolls MS PTA President Whitney Cummins, past PTA President Ed Charles, past PTA Executive Board member Sarah Charles, past PTA President Rachel Johnson, current PTA Executive Board member Liz Magers, BOE members Karen Yoho and Jay Mason (seated), Principal Brian Vasquenza, past PTA Executive Board member Michelle Jaeb (holding certificate), Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mike Markoe, BOE Vice President Joy Schaefer and BOE member Dr. Lois Jarman